Dual-Direction Electromechanical Connector with Hinge Joint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices often require multiple functionalities, which can lead to hardware components becoming obsolete or worn out faster than others, necessitating easy replacement and robust, reliable electromechanical connections that are user-friendly and do not restrict design freedom.

Innovation Solution

A robust and versatile electromechanical interface system featuring a mechanical interface with dual connectors for curvilinear and rectilinear insertion directions, utilizing a hinge joint and magnetic connections to ensure stability and ease of use, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of add-on modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single-direction insertion connector is used, then the connection is simple and straightforward, but the user cannot easily attach modules from different directions and may make wrong connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of module attachmentVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two independent connector bodies (first and second connector bodies) that can be operated separately. Each connector body has its own insertion direction and locking mechanism, allowing independent operation without interfering with the other connector's state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second connector bodies are designed with different geometric configurations and insertion directions. The first connector body receives the first engagement element while the second connector body receives the second engagement element, creating asymmetric attachment paths that prevent wrong connections and guide users correctly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If a robust mechanical connection is used to ensure reliable coupling, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of detachment and module replacement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of module detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The engagement elements can be engaged and disengaged through simple pulling motions on the module, allowing the connection to be firmly locked during use but easily detached when needed, balancing reliability with ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate functional element from the connector bodies. The first and second engagement elements are designed to be independently pulled out from their respective connector bodies, allowing the locking function to be separated from the connection structure and enabling easy detachment without affecting the overall connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If the connector design is optimized for a specific insertion direction, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to receive modules from different directions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector alignment precisionVSAvoidmodule attachment directionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly achieves multi-functionality by incorporating two connector bodies that can receive modules from different directions. The first connector body handles insertion from one direction while the second connector body handles insertion from another direction, allowing the same connector assembly to accommodate multiple attachment orientations without compromising manufacturing precision for either direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a reliable and user-friendly electromechanical connection that maintains stability under various loads and allows for easy module replacement without compromising device design or interoperability, enhancing the lifespan of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge joint between the first connector and a module body of the module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge joint mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a hinge joint and magnetic connections to ensure stability and ease of use

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8817476B2Apparatus, add-on module, and a system comprising a host apparatus and an add-on module

Publication Date: 2014.08.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus (102) comprises a mechanical interface configured to mechanically receive a module (101) into an assembled configuration. Within said mechanical interface, the apparatus comprises a first connector configured to receive a first matching counterpart in a first insertion direction (103), and a second connector configured to receive a second matching counterpart in a second insertion direction (104), which second insertion direction is the direction of a curvilinear motion and different from said first insertion direction (103). The apparatus (102) comprises a hinge joint between said first connector and a body of the apparatus. The hinge joint has an axis of rotation, which is essentially perpendicular against said second insertion direction (104).